Advanced Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Technology

Low temperature (550 C) SOFC will be developed and characterized with a combination of impedance spectroscopy and high resolution microscopy (FIB, SEM, TEM, XEDS, EELS, SAED, CBED methods). Initial focus will be on a low temperature samarium doped ceria electrolyte and low temperature cathodes to include LSCuF, LSCoF-SDC, LSCuF-SDC, and SmSrCo-SDC. Key interfacial structure and aging effects will be investigated by preparing FIB sections at the cathode/cathode current collector interface; cathode interior; cathode/electrolyte interface; electrolyte/anode interface; and anode/anode current collector. Emphasis will be on long term endurance with clear definition of degradation mechanisms and mitigation strategies. Technology developed in this program will be readily adoptable in existing and future AMI power systems. Adaptive Materials Inc. will partner with the University of Michigan Material Science and Engineering Department thus coupling the leader in the low cost, rapid coextrusion of microtubule solid oxide fuel cells with the exceptional microscopy and characterization resources of the University of Michigan Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory (EMAL).